What Is Cloud Infrastructure and How Does It Work?

Cloud computing uses computer hardware and software to connect your computer through the internet to a network of computers worldwide. Users typically access the cloud through an application like Google Drive or Dropbox. The massive networks of computers make storing, accessing, and securing data easier and more affordable since it all comes from a centralized place. Cloud infrastructure is the element that allows cloud computing to function by using hundreds of clustered, remote servers that communicate via networks. 

Explore cloud infrastructure’s various components, different types of clouds and cloud services, as well as jobs and how to start a career in cloud infrastructure. 

What is cloud infrastructure?

Cloud infrastructure is the framework that allows cloud computing to exist by combining hardware and software solutions, including servers (data storage), networks, management tools, and virtualization software. Included in cloud infrastructure is a hardware abstraction layer that allows for the virtualization and logical presentation of resources within the infrastructure through the use of API (application programming interfaces). 

Components of cloud infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure has a series of hardware and software components, including:

• Networks: The cloud connects via the internet, which requires networks to send and receive data. Networking requires building, maintaining, and repairing physical networking components, such as data transmission lines, switches, load balancers, and routers, so the data is accessible to users. 

• Servers: Servers are computers connected to a network, such as web servers using HTTP protocol, file servers for storage, and mail servers for email transmission. These all use the internet and networking to send data. 

• Storage: Storage servers provide individuals and businesses the ability to store their data in the cloud, which is the use of remote storage locations connected via the internet. Whether used for backups, querying for applications, or storing long-term data, cloud storage doesn’t require companies to use their own data centers. 

• Virtualization: With the use of virtualization software, users of the cloud can access and visualize their data via a GUI (graphical user interface). Users see their data separate from the actual hardware components of servers and computers, allowing simple interaction and usage of their data. 

How does cloud infrastructure work?

Cloud infrastructure works through a spread-out system of server infrastructure, typically owned by a company that maintains data centers and sells usage rights to customers. The company handles everything from security to storage and power. The user can access data from anywhere since the company that hosts it maintains and ensures the communication and transmission of data from end to end. 

Types of cloud infrastructure

Cloud infrastructure is not solely held by companies selling usage. It is just one of three different cloud infrastructure types that function similarly. The three types are:

• Private cloud

• Public cloud

• Hybrid cloud

Take a closer look at each type of cloud infrastructure: 

Private cloud

With private cloud infrastructure, a single company or organization can use its own data center, effectively owning its own cloud architecture. This gives it all the advantages of having a cloud solution for data and total control over everything from security to management of the cloud. However, the company has to maintain all of the infrastructure necessary to have a functioning cloud-based computing solution using its own information technology (IT) department or service provider. 

Public cloud

With public cloud infrastructure, a third-party company owns, manages, and maintains all the cloud infrastructure and sells usage rights to multiple organizations or users. It is a multi-tenant environment and drives down storage costs for organizations that don’t need specific security concerns for sensitive data. Companies typically base pricing on usage, computing requirements, bandwidth, and storage needs. Examples of public cloud include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Workspace, and Microsoft Azure.

Hybrid cloud

Hybrid cloud infrastructure combines both the public and private cloud models but still centralizes the organization's data into a single cloud. For more sensitive data, a company may use a private cloud with its own infrastructure but use a public cloud for larger quantities of non-sensitive data. This gives the organization more control over costs and storage capacity. 

Types of cloud services

Three types of cloud services or models delivered by public cloud providers are:

• IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service)

• PaaS (platform-as-a-service)

• SaaS (software-as-a-service)

Take a deeper look at each service model and when an organization might use each one: 

IaaS

IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service) gives users cloud infrastructure, such as networking, computing power, servers, firewalls, and virtual local area networks. The user typically rents space from the cloud provider to access these resources as they consume infrastructure based on drive speed, storage space, and computing power.  Organizations using IaaS get all the infrastructure necessary to use a cloud, but they will have to use their own software and applications to utilize it. Examples of IaaS include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Cisco, and DigitalOcean.

PaaS

PaaS (platform-as-a-service) is similar to IaaS, but users build software and applications on a platform that cloud service providers manage and maintain. This allows users to develop applications and software without managing software or hardware infrastructure. Companies who wish to build large e-commerce stores may opt for this service. Examples of PaaS include Red Hat OpenShift, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Salesforce Lightening.

SaaS

SaaS (software-as-a-service) is an all-in-one solution for organizations that do not need custom applications, software, or infrastructure. SaaS gives users access to software fully serviced by the service provider. The service provided manages the cloud infrastructure and the software in which they interact with their cloud. Users typically interact with their cloud through a web browser login, and they can use their local data and data stored in the cloud. Examples of SaaS are Shopify and Google Workspace.

Who uses cloud infrastructure?

Nearly every industry has been affected by the use of cloud computing and, thus, cloud infrastructure. Some sectors that heavily use cloud computing are finance, tech, health care, education, manufacturing, retail, and government. Systems administrators, software developers, network engineers, database administrators, and cybersecurity engineers all use or interact with cloud infrastructure or services in their jobs as well. 

These companies manage the majority of cloud infrastructure [1, 2]:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Microsoft Azure

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

• Alibaba Cloud

• Oracle Cloud

• IBM Cloud

• Tencent Cloud

• OVHcloud

• DigitalOcean

• Linode (Akamai)

However, many other companies service large and small niches. Additionally, many companies fill gaps in software or developmental needs for users to utilize the cloud fully. 

How to get started in cloud infrastructure

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for database administrators and architects are expected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032. This growth represents a faster rate when compared to the national average [3]. 

Entry-level jobs working with cloud infrastructure could include cloud administrator, cloud developer, cloud support specialist, virtualization specialist, and cloud services associate. Some positions, like an IT support specialist, may only require an associate degree, while most jobs working in cloud solutions require a bachelor’s degree with a networking focus.

Job titles and salaries

If you're interested in pursuing a career in cloud infrastructure, consider this list of potential job positions that work in cloud infrastructure and cloud computing, along with the average annual salaries in the US:

All salary data is the average annual base pay provided by Glassdoor as of May 2024.

• Cloud support specialist: $73,992

• Cloud support associate: $75,268

• Cloud support engineer: $106,952 

• Cloud developer: $119,685 

• Cloud security engineer: $123,205 

• AWS cloud engineer: $118,983

• Senior cloud engineer: $137,398

• Cloud architect: $142,066

Getting started in cloud computing with Coursera

Cloud infrastructure is the use of hardware, servers, networks, and virtualization to connect users to a centralized network of data, applications, and virtual machines. Cloud infrastructure is now used by nearly every industry, creating a significant demand in jobs for people with computing and information skills and backgrounds. If you already have experience in networking and computing and are looking to upskill in cloud computing, you may want to try the AWS Cloud Solutions Architect Professional Certificate. If you’re just getting started in information technology, you can also explore the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. You’ll find both of these Professional Certificates and more on Coursera.